In the afternoon I played with him, and continued doing so for five or six days. After that I could stand it no longer, as when he had won ten or twelve louis he invariably rose and left me to myself. His name was d’Entragues; he was a fine-looking man, though somewhat thin, and had a good share of wit and knowledge of the world.
We had not played together for two days, when one afternoon he asked if I would like to take my revenge.
“No, I think not,” said I, “for we don’t play on the same principle. I play for amusement’s sake and you play to win money.”
“What do you mean? Your words are offensive.”
“I didn’t mean them to be offensive, but as a matter of fact, each time we have played you have risen after a quarter of an hour.”
“You ought to be obliged to me, as otherwise you would have lost heavily.”
“Possibly; but I don’t think so.”
“I can prove it to you.”
“I accept the offer, but the first to leave the table must forfeit fifty Louis.”
“I agree; but money down.”